International Driver’s License

The International Driver’s License is essentially the same as the Korean driver's license, but it is only valid for one year upon arriving in Korea. Those who intend to stay in Korea for more than a year must obtain a Korean driver's license in order to continuing driving.

Converting a foreign driver's license into a Korean driver's license

Those holding a valid driver's license issued from a foreign agency should obtain a Korean driver's license by taking a physical exam. The type of license corresponds to that of your original license.

Required Documents : Driver's license issued by the applicant’s home country, Passport and Foreign Registration Certificate, Three photos, Certified translation of the driver's license (exemption for licenses in English), Written confirmation from their embassy, Processing fee of 17,000won

Obtaining a Korean Driver's License

There are two types of Korean Driver's Licenses, Type I and II, determined by the type of vehicle driven.

To get a driver's license, applicants must pass a written test, a function test, and a road test.

Documents required at each test

Written test: passport, Alien Registration Card (ARC), three small passport-sized photos, and a fee of 6,000won.

Type I Driver's License holders must take an aptitude test within the time period specified on their Driver's License. Type II driver's license holders are not required to take an aptitude test, but must renew their license within the period specified on their driver's license.